The most solemn blessing of the Catholic Church, the papal blessing Urbi et Orbi, meaning “to the city and to the world,” dates back to the reign of Pope Gregory X in the 13th century. The granting of plenary indulgence takes place on the most solemn occasions, and is generally reserved only for Christmas and Easter.
Prior to 1985, it was only given to people in the Vatican City by the pope from the Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica. However, the faithful around the world can now listen via radio, television and internet.
Pope Francis will continue the tradition on 25 December at midday as part of the Vatican’s Christmas celebrations. The day before will commence celebrations at the Holy See with a Holy Mass on Christmas Eve. Since 2013, the midnight mass, which is presided over by the Pope in St Peter’s Basilica, has been moved to an earlier time at 7:30 pm local time, 1:30 pm ET.
When will the pope deliver his annual Christmas message?
Every year the pope delivers his Christmas message or “urbi et orbi” at 12:00 pm at the Vatican, which is 6:00 am Eastern Time in the US.
You can watch Pope Francis deliver the Christmas blessing on the Vatican News YouTube channel.
The “URBI ET ORBI” blessing in full
May the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in whose power and authority we trust, intercede for us before the Lord.
Amen.
Through the prayers and merits of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, may Almighty God have mercy on you and forgive all your sins, and may Jesus Christ bring you to everlasting life.
Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you indulgence, absolution and the remission of all your sins, a season of true and fruitful penance, a well-disposed heart, amendment of life, the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit and final perseverance in good works.
Amen.
And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever.
Amen.
